Is your dinner table a battlefield? You aren't alone. But your child isn't doomed to a diet of white bread and chicken nuggets -- there's hope. Kids are more likely to try foods that they had a hand in cooking.

Is your dinner table a battlefield? You aren't alone. But your child isn't doomed to a diet of white bread and chicken nuggets -- there's hope. Kids are more likely to try foods that they had a hand in cooking.

You love your cat, but her smelly, messy litter box is the bane of your existence. Sure, you could always train our cat to use the toilet (it's possible, Google it!), but who has the time? A much easier solution: Investing in a modern litter box and trying out these clever tricks.

Put a Lid on It

You already know that covered cat boxes are one of the greatest inventions of all time: They hide unpleasant sights and smells, and give kitty the privacy she craves. Whether you have a tiny kitten or five full-grown felines, you'll find a cat box that is the perfect size (and price) for your home. Consider these options:

The Dome: This space-age-looking round cat box makes for easier scooping. Bonus: Booda makes a dome that has a set of stairs leading into the box to catch any loose litter that makes its way out.

Hooded Cat Box: My cat Zeke loves his jumbo hooded box because it's just that: huge and private. The charcoal filter and flapping door keep everything contained, and trust me, your cat will figure out how to use the door, and you'll both be thankful.

The Corner Box: A convenient space saver because it can be tucked out of the way. Many of these come with door flaps and filters.

Hide It!

While covered cat boxes are great for hiding your cat's business, you may want to hide the house your cat does his business in. You can either purchase one or make it yourself:

If you opt to buy, look for a beautiful specially designed piece that hides the litter box. From vintage wood boxes that look like speakers to edgy designs that look like modern art pieces, you can find something to match any décor. Of course, they don't come cheap: These disguises start at around $120.

A cheaper option is a DIY fix. This can be as simple as sticking that corner box behind your L-shaped couch, hiding the box under a table with a long tablecloth or tucking it under your raised bed frame. But if you're feeling ambitious, you can convert any number of things into a kitty box container. Google "Ikea hacks" to find out how to turn your favorite Swedish dressers, cabinets and filing cabinets, into private cat rooms. You can make this work with any large drawer or cabinet in your home by simply cutting a kitty door and placing an open litter box inside. Just be sure to use a pet-odor-removing air freshener to get rid of any smells that manage to escape your now expertly crafted kitty box.

Lauren Casteris a New York-based writer who loves digging up insider tips for a multitude of projects, from inner-city gardening to home organization. She has contributed to TheWorkbenchLife.com, BrooklynExposed.com and more. Shelives in her apartment/petting zoo with her fiancé, cat, dog and lizard.

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